India to play Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 opener

India will start their defense of their 2017 Champions Trophy in England by taking on Pakistan in their opening match

Defending champions India will open their 2017 ICC Champions Trophy campaign by taking on arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 4, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Wednesday.

Placed in group B alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa, the men-in-blue will then face the islanders on June 8 before taking on the Proteas in the final league game on June 11 at The Oval in London.

The other group comprises of Australia, New Zealand, England and Bangladesh.

Hosts England will take on Bangladesh in the tournament opener on June 1 at The Oval.

The semi-finals will be hosted at Cardiff on June 14 and 15 while the final will be played at The Oval on June 18.